Mathematical Markup Language (MathML) allows you to write complex mathematical expressions in web pages seamlessly. This guide will take you through the essential topics to get started with MathML and explore its various elements.
MathML First Steps
What is MathML?
Definition: MathML (Mathematical Markup Language) is an XML-based markup language designed to display mathematical notations.
Purpose: It allows browsers to render mathematical expressions and provides a way to include math in web pages.
Basic Structure
MathML Tags: <math>, <mrow>, <mi>, <mo>, <mn>.
Example:
<math>
<mrow>
<mi>x</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>5</mn>
</mrow>
</math>
Getting Started with MathML
Setting Up MathML
Integration: MathML can be embedded directly in HTML using the <math> tag.
Browser Support: Most modern browsers support MathML, but for complete compatibility, consider using MathJax.
Simple Expression
Inline Math: Adding inline mathematical notation.
<p>The equation is <math><mrow><mi>x</mi><mo>=</mo><mn>5</mn></mrow></math>.</p>
MathML Text Containers
Using <mrow> and <mfrac>
Grouping: <mrow> groups multiple elements together.
Example:
<math>
<mrow>
<mi>a</mi>
<mo>+</mo>
<mi>b</mi>
</mrow>
</math>
Fractions
Using <mfrac>: Represents fractions.
Example:
<math>
<mfrac>
<mi>a</mi>
<mi>b</mi>
</mfrac>
</math>
MathML Fractions and Roots
Fractions
Creating Fractions: Utilizing the <mfrac> tag.
Example:
<math>
<mfrac>
<mi>1</mi>
<mi>2</mi>
</mfrac>
</math>
Roots
Square Roots: Using <msqrt>.
Example:
<math>
<msqrt>
<mi>x</mi>
</msqrt>
</math>
MathML Scripted Elements
Subscripts and Superscripts
Subscript (<msub>): Used for subscript notation.
<math>
<msub>
<mi>x</mi>
<mi>i</mi>
</msub>
</math>
Superscript (<msup>): Used for superscript notation.
<math>
<msup>
<mi>x</mi>
<mn>2</mn>
</msup>
</math>
Combined Scripts
Example:
<math>
<msubsup>
<mi>x</mi>
<mi>i</mi>
<mn>2</mn>
</msubsup>
</math>
MathML Tables
Creating Matrices
Using <mtable>: Represents matrices and tables.
Example:
<math>
<mtable>
<mtr>
<mtd><mi>a</mi></mtd>
<mtd><mi>b</mi></mtd>
</mtr>
<mtr>
<mtd><mi>c</mi></mtd>
<mtd><mi>d</mi></mtd>
</mtr>
</mtable>
</math>
Three Famous Mathematical Formulas
Quadratic Formula
Expression:
<math>
<mi>x</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mfrac>
<mrow>
<mo>–</mo>
<mi>b</mi>
<mo>±</mo>
<msqrt>
<msup>
<mi>b</mi>
<mn>2</mn>
</msup>
<mo>–</mo>
<mn>4</mn>
<mi>a</mi>
<mi>c</mi>
</msqrt>
</mrow>
<mrow>
<mn>2</mn>
<mi>a</mi>
</mrow>
</mfrac>
</math>
Pythagorean Theorem
Expression:
<math>
<msup>
<mi>a</mi>
<mn>2</mn>
</msup>
<mo>+</mo>
<msup>
<mi>b</mi>
<mn>2</mn>
</msup>
<mo>=</mo>
<msup>
<mi>c</mi>
<mn>2</mn>
</msup>
</math>
Euler’s Formula
Expression:
<math>
<mi>e</mi>
<msup>
<mi>i</mi>
<mi>π</mi>
</msup>
<mo>+</mo>
<mn>1</mn>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0</mn>
</math>
Additional Topics
MathML Operators
Arithmetic Operators: +, -, *, /.
Relational Operators: =, >, <.
Example:
<math>
<mi>a</mi>
<mo>+</mo>
<mi>b</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mi>c</mi>
</math>
MathML Accents
Overlines and Underlines: Using <mover> and <munder>.
Example:
<math>
<mover>
<mi>x</mi>
<mo>¯</mo>
</mover>
</math>
MathML Integrals and Limits
Integrals: Using <msubsup> and <mo>.
<math>
<msubsup>
<mo>∫</mo>
<mn>0</mn>
<mi>∞</mi>
</msubsup>
<mi>f</mi>
<mo>(</mo>
<mi>x</mi>
<mo>)</mo>
<mi>d</mi>
<mi>x</mi>
</math>
Limits: Using <mo> and <munder>.
<math>
<munder>
<mo>lim</mo>
<mrow>
<mi>x</mi>
<mo>→</mo>
<mn>0</mn>
</mrow>
</munder>
<mrow>
<mi>f</mi>
<mo>(</mo>
<mi>x</mi>
<mo>)</mo>
</mrow>
</math>
Conclusion
MathML is a powerful tool for embedding mathematical notation in web pages, providing a wide range of elements and functionalities. From basic expressions to complex equations and matrices, MathML ensures your mathematical content is displayed accurately and beautifully.
Start experimenting with MathML in your projects today, and bring the world of mathematics to your web pages with ease!
